I just got back from the gym. I went half out of guilt and half out of panic. I think I explained that when talking about New Year's resolutions, Mike said that he really wanted me to step up my working out - for my health. (I'm not overweight or anything, but my muscles just aren't what they used to be...in fact I'm LOSING WEIGHT because my muscles are shrinking and it's not looking like it's going to get any better from here on in...Sorry for that unpretty picture...happy thoughts, happy thoughts, happy thoughts...) ANYHOW - I told him that if I was going to the gym regularly (which I really don't enjoy - it's clearly a discipline in my case) then he had to go to the doctor's for a physcial (which he equally dislikes). He's kept up his end of the bargain - or will have this evening, anyhow. (Because his crafty wife made the appointment for him!)
I have gone to the gym a few times since the first of the year, but not super-regularly. (3 times in 18 days? Is that regularly?) For our insurance, you have to go 12 times to qualify for a $20 reimbursement. Today's the 18th? I've gone AT LEAST 3 times already...I should be able to pull off 9 more times this month? I better get my bootie in gear!
I do feel better, though. I'm still figuring out what I can do comfortably, without totally feeling like I'm dying. It's not what I USED to be able to do, which is weird. (Because of MS) The first time I went, I spent the usual 30 minutes on the eliptical, like I used to do. The next day, it was an effort just to get my arms up to steer the car. Seriously! I was THAT fatigued. It was crazy! The second day I went, I barely worked out for 10 minutes. Today, I walked the treadmill moderately for 25 minutes. I can feel my legs hurting and I am a little fatigued, but I think it will be okay.
I think Mike's right, though (don't tell him I said that!). I do think it's best for me to figure out a workout routine and do it as often as I can, or my muscles will just melt away. They have been, already. It's amazing how quickly that happens!
So, here goes - I'm embarking on my new workout routine! I don't know what it looks like, yet...and it probably looks NOTHING like yours! But, I'm doing SOMETHING and I'm doing as much as I can. The thing is, I don't sit around all day (unless I'm writing). I still do housework and shop and do things. It's not like I'm an invalid. Strange. I saw this article in a magazine: What constitutes as exercise and what doesn't. Housework (yes), Shopping (yes), Carrying kids (no), sex (no)
Well, I have great respect for you physical therapists out there and those who work as trainers, or those who work out all the time (Jen - how do you do it...and how can you LIKE it???).
Okay - can I whine or make any more excuses not to work out? Because if you let me, I will....
lol
No more whining! Sheesh! Shame on me! I just wanted you to know the difficulties I'm facing, so that you'll all be wowed when I post the picture of the muscle-lady blonde babe in a few months.
Be amazed.
It's my fantasy. Let me tell it any way I want!
6 comments:
I will totally let you keep whining about it if I can too. :) The beginning is ALWAYS so hard, but it won't be so tough after getting into a routine. I wish we went to the same gym so we could be walking buddies, doesn't it make it SO much better knowing someone is suffering along with you!? ;) Seriously though, I hope you find what works for you to help with your muscles and start to feel better soon. Oh and Joclyn was at Mops today with the new baby, HOLY TINY CUTENESS!! :)
swim pennie... swim!! ;) I wish I wasn't attached at the hip to one child all the time... so I could go work out... during the day when I am not tired!! Saturdays... I need to get off my duff and go!!! I must!!
Everytime I get a gym membership, it is great for a few weeks... then it goes to waste. I bought work out dvd's and some exercise stuff for the wii. I am still looking for motivation to join me.
I used to go to Curves and just loved it! Talking with the other ladies there and making friends! And I felt so good! But got caught up in some office type politics with some of the workers and kind of lost my respect for a couple of them. Then decided to save the time and money. I really need to get back into something like that but it has since closed and I have no time. Taekwondo once a week will have to do it for me for the time being.
Good for you!!! You can do 9 more times in this month yet. You go girl!
I'll admit it Pennie, I used to HATE working out. It wasn't until after Ben was born and I found a great workout program that I can do at home! I love it. It's inspiring and invigorating at the same time. If I had to leave the house to go to the gym, I wouldn't do it. All you need is DVD player and some free weights!
That's great that you are starting to workout again. I think you'll find doing strength training will really help you!
keep up with the gym it can only do you good, look at the long term effects, when your MS is healed ( because of the faith we have) you will be one "sexy mama". I find I have more energy when i gym, maybe after a few weeks you will find that as well...
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